Dr. Asya Johnson

Dr. Asya Johnson is a transformative educational leader, scholar-practitioner, and systems innovator with over 20 years of experience advancing equity-centered school transformation, early college access, and culturally responsive leadership. She is the creator and founding principal of HBCU Early College Prep, the first HBCU-focused early college high school model in a major metropolitan district, designed to expand college access and create direct pathways to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through a pioneering partnership with Delaware State University, scholars have the opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree while completing high school, redefining college readiness and postsecondary access for historically underserved communities.

Dr. Johnson began her career as an educator in North Philadelphia and later served as principal of Longwood Preparatory Academy in the South Bronx, where she led a comprehensive turnaround grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy and instructional equity. Drawing on the work of Zaretta Hammond’s Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, she guided the school from a struggling status to achieving New York State Good Standing, strengthening instructional systems, school culture, and student outcomes. Her research on culturally responsive teacher development continues to inform her leadership and contributions to urban education reform.

Her leadership experience spans charter and district settings, including serving as a Harlem charter school principal and as Director of Special Education Programs, where she designed innovative educational programming for incarcerated youth on Rikers Island. Throughout her career, Dr. Johnson has built transformative community partnerships, including establishing a campus food pantry with the Food Bank of New York, resolving systemic barriers such as student library debt, and securing funding to create creative arts and wellness spaces, including a recording studio centered on Hip-Hop Therapy.

Dr. Johnson holds a Doctorate in Education Management and Leadership from Drexel University, where she serves as an Alumni Mentor and Coach (MAC), mentoring doctoral students and supporting emerging educational leaders. In recognition of her leadership and impact in education, she was named a 2025 recipient of the Drexel University Alumni Award. She earned an Ed.M. in Educational Leadership for Change from Bank Street College, an M.Ed. in Special Education from Holy Family University, and a B.A. in English from Delaware State University, an HBCU that continues to inform her commitment to culturally affirming educational pathways.

In addition to her role as founding principal, Dr. Johnson serves as an adjunct professor at New York University, contributing to the preparation of future educators and leaders through culturally responsive and equity-centered pedagogies in Special Education. She has also played a key role in shaping educational policy through her service on New York City’s Diversity Advisory Group and has engaged in national equity initiatives through the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute, St. John’s University Institute for Critical Race & Ethnic Studies, and the African American Policy Forum’s CRT Summer School.

A recognized leader in educational innovation, Dr. Johnson has been honored with numerous distinctions, including the Legendary Leader Award from the Council of School Administrators’ Black Caucus and the Bank Street College Alumni Recognition Award. She is a Cahn Fellow for Distinguished Principals, Gray Fellow for Principal Excellence, Cambiar Catalyst Fellow, and has served as a Master Principal and member of the NYC Chancellor’s Principal Advisory Board. Through her work, Dr. Johnson continues to build sustainable pathways connecting K–12 education, higher education, and community leadership to expand opportunity and transform outcomes for future generations.